U.S. patent application number 17/018340 was filed with the patent office on 2022-03-17 for drip chamber assembly.
The applicant listed for this patent is CareFusion 303. Inc.. Invention is credited to Ryan Callahan, Kelly Kloster Hon, Huntington Woodman, Leyla Yamin.
Application Number | 20220080107 17/018340 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 1000005105036 |
Filed Date | 2022-03-17 |
United States Patent
Application |
20220080107 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Woodman; Huntington ; et
al. |
March 17, 2022 |
DRIP CHAMBER ASSEMBLY
Abstract
Drip chamber assemblies are described herein. A drip chamber
assembly includes a drip chamber and a filter. The drip chamber
includes a chamber body defining a chamber volume. The filter is
disposed within the chamber volume. The filter includes a folded
filter media, which defines an inlet portion of the chamber volume
and an outlet portion of the chamber volume. The folded filter
media permits inlet flow from the inlet portion of the chamber
volume to the outlet portion of the chamber volume. The folded
filter media captures particulate from the inlet flow.
Inventors: |
Woodman; Huntington;
(Irvine, CA) ; Hon; Kelly Kloster; (Del Mar,
CA) ; Callahan; Ryan; (Long Beach, CA) ;
Yamin; Leyla; (San Diego, CA) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
CareFusion 303. Inc. |
San Diego |
CA |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
1000005105036 |
Appl. No.: |
17/018340 |
Filed: |
September 11, 2020 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A61M 2205/7518 20130101;
A61M 5/1411 20130101; A61M 2005/1402 20130101 |
International
Class: |
A61M 5/14 20060101
A61M005/14 |
Claims
1. A drip chamber assembly, comprising: a drip chamber comprising a
chamber body defining a chamber volume; and a filter disposed
within the chamber volume, the filter comprising: a folded filter
media, the folded filter media defining an inlet portion of the
chamber volume and an outlet portion of the chamber volume, wherein
the folded filter media permits inlet flow from the inlet portion
of the chamber volume to the outlet portion of the chamber volume
and captures particulate from the inlet flow.
2. The drip chamber assembly of claim 1, wherein the folded filter
media defines a plurality of peaks and valleys between the inlet
portion of the chamber volume and the outlet portion of the chamber
volume.
3. The drip chamber assembly of claim 1, wherein the folded filter
media has a pore size between 15 to 200 microns.
4. The drip chamber assembly of claim 3, wherein the pore size is
between 180 to 200 microns.
5. The drip chamber assembly of claim 1, wherein the folded filter
media comprises an anti-coagulant treatment.
6. The drip chamber assembly of claim 1, wherein the chamber volume
is in fluid communication with the inlet portion of the chamber
volume.
7. The drip chamber assembly of claim 1, wherein the folded filter
media surrounds the inlet portion of the chamber volume.
8. The drip chamber of claim 1, wherein the outlet portion of the
chamber volume is defined between the folded filter media and the
chamber body.
9. The drip chamber assembly of claim 1, the filter further
comprising a frame to support the folded filter media, wherein the
frame directs the inlet flow through the folded filter media.
10. The drip chamber assembly of claim 9, wherein a lower portion
of the frame directs the inlet flow through the folded filter
media.
11. The drip chamber assembly of claim 1, wherein the filter is
coupled to the drip chamber.
12. The drip chamber assembly of claim 1, wherein the chamber body
is deformable.
13. The drip chamber assembly of claim 1, the chamber body defining
an inlet end in fluid communication with the inlet portion of the
chamber volume.
14. The drip chamber assembly of claim 1, the chamber body defining
an outlet in fluid communication with the outlet portion of the
chamber volume.
15. A method, comprising: introducing an inlet flow into a chamber
volume; permitting the inlet flow from an inlet portion of the
chamber volume through a folded filter media and into an outlet
portion of the chamber volume; and capturing particulate from the
inlet flow in the folded filter media.
16. The method of claim 15, wherein the inlet portion of the
chamber volume is surrounded by the folded filter media.
17. The method of claim 15, wherein the outlet portion of the
chamber volume is defined between the folded filter media and a
chamber body defining the chamber volume.
18. The method of claim 15, further comprising: directing flow from
the outlet portion of the chamber volume into an outlet in fluid
communication with the chamber volume.
19. An IV set comprising: a first portion of tubing; a second
portion of tubing; and a drip chamber assembly comprising: a drip
chamber comprising a chamber body defining a chamber volume, an
inlet end in fluid communication with the chamber volume, and an
outlet in fluid communication with the chamber volume, wherein the
inlet end is coupled to the first portion of tubing and the outlet
is coupled to the second portion of tubing; and a filter disposed
within the chamber volume, the filter comprising: a folded filter
media, the folded filter media defining an inlet portion of the
chamber volume in fluid communication with the inlet end and an
outlet portion of the chamber volume in fluid communication with
the outlet, wherein the folded filter media permits inlet flow from
the inlet portion of the chamber volume to the outlet portion of
the chamber volume and captures particulate from the inlet
flow.
20. The IV set of claim 19, wherein the outlet portion of the
chamber volume is defined between the folded filter media and the
chamber body.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present disclosure generally relates to drip chambers,
and in particular, to drip chambers with filters for intravenous
sets.
BACKGROUND
[0002] Medical treatments often include the infusion of a medical
fluid (e.g., a saline solution or a liquid medication) to patients
using an intravenous (IV) catheter that is connected though an
arrangement of flexible tubing and fittings, commonly referred to
as an "IV set," to a source of fluid, for example, an IV bag. Prior
to operation, components of the IV set can be primed with medical
fluid. Further, during operation, medical fluid can be filtered to
prevent the transfer of bacteria, microorganisms, and/or other
pathogens. In some applications, filters can become clogged during
operation.
SUMMARY
[0003] The disclosed subject matter relates to drip chamber
assemblies. In certain embodiments, drip chamber assemblies are
disclosed that comprise a drip chamber comprising a chamber body
defining a chamber volume; and a filter disposed within the chamber
volume, the filter comprising: a folded filter media, the folded
filter media defining an inlet portion of the chamber volume and an
outlet portion of the chamber volume, wherein the folded filter
media permits inlet flow from the inlet portion of the chamber
volume to the outlet portion of the chamber volume and captures
particulate from the inlet flow.
[0004] In certain embodiments, a method is disclosed that comprises
introducing an inlet flow into a chamber volume; permitting the
inlet flow from an inlet portion of the chamber volume through a
folded filter media and into an outlet portion of the chamber
volume; and capturing particulate from the inlet flow in the folded
filter media.
[0005] In certain embodiments, an IV set is disclosed that
comprises a first portion of tubing; a second portion of tubing;
and a drip chamber assembly comprising: a drip chamber comprising a
chamber body defining a chamber volume, an inlet end in fluid
communication with the chamber volume, and an outlet in fluid
communication with the chamber volume, wherein the inlet end is
coupled to the first portion of tubing and the outlet is coupled to
the second portion of tubing; and a filter disposed within the
chamber volume, the filter comprising: a folded filter media, the
folded filter media defining an inlet portion of the chamber volume
in fluid communication with the inlet end and an outlet portion of
the chamber volume in fluid communication with the outlet, wherein
the folded filter media permits inlet flow from the inlet portion
of the chamber volume to the outlet portion of the chamber volume
and captures particulate from the inlet flow.
[0006] It is understood that various configurations of the subject
technology will become readily apparent to those skilled in the art
from the disclosure, wherein various configurations of the subject
technology are shown and described by way of illustration. As will
be realized, the subject technology is capable of other and
different configurations and its several details are capable of
modification in various other respects, all without departing from
the scope of the subject technology. Accordingly, the summary,
drawings and detailed description are to be regarded as
illustrative in nature and not as restrictive.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0007] The accompanying drawings, which are included to provide
further understanding and are incorporated in and constitute a part
of this specification, illustrate disclosed embodiments and
together with the description serve to explain the principles of
the disclosed embodiments. In the drawings:
[0008] FIG. 1 depicts a patient receiving an infusion of a medical
fluid using an IV pump.
[0009] FIG. 2 illustrates a perspective view of a drip chamber
assembly according to certain aspects of the present
disclosure.
[0010] FIG. 3 illustrates a top view of the drip chamber assembly
of FIG. 2.
[0011] FIG. 4 illustrates a bottom view of the drip chamber
assembly of FIG. 2.
[0012] FIG. 5 illustrates a front view of a drip chamber of the
drip chamber assembly of FIG. 2.
[0013] FIG. 6 illustrates a perspective view of a filter of the
drip chamber assembly of FIG. 2.
[0014] FIG. 7 illustrates a cross-sectional view of the filter of
FIG. 6.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0015] The disclosed drip chamber assembly integrates a drip
chamber and a filter with folded filter media. The folded filter
media increases the effective filtration area of the filter,
extending the life of the filter before clogging.
[0016] The detailed description set forth below is intended as a
description of various configurations of the subject technology and
is not intended to represent the only configurations in which the
subject technology may be practiced. The detailed description
includes specific details for the purpose of providing a thorough
understanding of the subject technology. However, it will be
apparent to those skilled in the art that the subject technology
may be practiced without these specific details. In some instances,
well-known structures and components are shown in block diagram
form in order to avoid obscuring the concepts of the subject
technology. Like components are labeled with identical element
numbers for ease of understanding. Reference numbers may have
letter suffixes appended to indicate separate instances of a common
element while being referred to generically by the same number
without a suffix letter.
[0017] While the following description is directed to drip chamber
assemblies for the administration of medical fluid using the
disclosed drip chamber assembly, it is to be understood that this
description is only an example of usage and does not limit the
scope of the claims. Various aspects of the disclosed drip chamber
assembly may be used in any application where it is desirable to
provide extended filter life.
[0018] The disclosed drip chamber assembly overcomes several
challenges discovered with respect to certain conventional filter
devices. One challenge with certain conventional filter devices is
that conventional filter media can become clogged with infusate
during operation. Further, another challenge with certain
conventional components is that separate devices are often used for
filtration and priming functionality, adding complexity to IV sets
and adding to the number of tubing connections that are required in
an IV set. Because certain conventional filter devices may become
easily clogged or may add complexity to an IV set, the use of
certain conventional filtration devices is undesirable.
[0019] Therefore, in accordance with the present disclosure, it is
advantageous to provide a drip chamber assembly as described herein
that allows for integration of the drip chamber and filter
functionality into a single in-line component, reducing complexity
and tubing connections. Further, it is advantageous to provide a
drip chamber assembly that allows for extended filter life.
[0020] Examples of drip chamber assembly that allow for extended
filter life and minimize complexity are now described.
[0021] FIG. 1 illustrates a patient 5 receiving an infusion of a
medical fluid through an IV pump 30 according to certain aspects of
the present disclosure. The IV pump 30 comprises a controller 32
and two pump modules 34. An IV set 20 is connected between a
container 36 of the medical fluid and the patient 5. Prior to
operation, components of the IV set 20 can be primed with medical
fluid. Further, during operation, medical fluid delivered to the
patient 5 can be filtered to prevent the transfer of bacteria,
microorganisms, and/or other pathogens. A drip chamber assembly as
described herein can allow for priming operations and filtration of
the medical fluid delivered to the patient 5. In some embodiments,
a drip chamber assembly can be disposed in between or in line with
tubing of the IV set 20.
[0022] FIG. 2 illustrates a perspective view of a drip chamber
assembly 100 according to certain aspects of the present
disclosure. FIG. 3 illustrates a top view of the drip chamber
assembly 100 of FIG. 2. FIG. 4 illustrates a bottom view of the
drip chamber assembly 100 of FIG. 2. In the depicted example, the
drip chamber assembly 100 allows for the functionality of a drip
chamber 101 while additionally allowing for filtration of medical
fluid passing therethrough. As described herein, the drip chamber
assembly 100 integrates a filter 120 disposed within the drip
chamber 101.
[0023] FIG. 5 illustrates a front view of a drip chamber 101 of the
drip chamber assembly 100 of FIG. 2. With reference to FIGS. 2-5,
the drip chamber 101 provides a visual indicator of the flow rate
of a medical fluid therethrough. Advantageously, clinicians can
monitor and adjust the flow rate of the medical fluid based on the
visual indicator provided by the drip chamber 101.
[0024] During operation, medical fluid can drip or otherwise flow
through the chamber volume 104 defined by the chamber body 110.
Medical fluid flow 10 can enter the chamber body 110 through an
upper portion or inlet portion 102 defined in the chamber body 110.
Fluid flow 40 can exit the chamber body 110 through a lower portion
or outlet portion 112. In some embodiments, the outlet portion 112
can include an outlet 108. The outlet lumen 106 formed in the
outlet 108 can be in fluid communication with the chamber volume
104. The outlet 108 can be coupled to tubing of the IV set 20.
[0025] As fluid passes through the chamber body 110, a clinician
can utilize the drip chamber 101 as a visual indicator to observe
the dripping or flow of medical fluid therethrough. As can be
appreciated the chamber body 110 can be transparent or
semi-transparent.
[0026] In some embodiments, the chamber body 110 can equalize
pressure differentials between the chamber volume 104 and the
environment during operation. In some embodiments, the chamber body
110 can be formed from a resilient material to allow the chamber
body 110 to be squeezed or compressed to draw in medical fluid for
priming of an IV system.
[0027] In the depicted example, the drip chamber 101 can draw in
medical fluid for priming of an IV system. As can be appreciated,
the chamber volume 104 can be filled with a desired volume of
medical fluid during the priming operation.
[0028] FIG. 6 illustrates a perspective view of a filter 120 of the
drip chamber assembly 100 of FIG. 2. FIG. 7 illustrates a
cross-sectional view of the filter 120 of FIG. 6. With reference to
FIGS. 2-4, 6 and 7, during operation, as medical fluid flows
through the drip chamber assembly 100, the fluid can be filtered
prior to flowing out of the drip chamber 101 and into tubing of the
IV set 20. In the depicted example, a filter 120 is disposed within
the chamber volume 104 to filter fluid passing through the chamber
volume 104.
[0029] As illustrated, fluid within the chamber volume 104 can pass
through a filter 120 to prevent the transfer of bacteria,
microorganisms, and/or other pathogens to the patient. During
operation, fluid can flow within the chamber volume 104 to an inlet
portion 124 of the chamber volume 104, through a filter media 130
to an outlet portion 111 of the chamber volume 104, as illustrated
by flow arrows 20, 30, and 40. As can be appreciated, a positive
pressure differential can direct fluid flow 20 from the inlet
portion 124 of the chamber volume 104 through the filter media 130
to the outlet portion 111 of the chamber volume 104. Filtered fluid
can flow from the outlet portion 111 through the outlet 108 of the
drip chamber 101.
[0030] In the depicted example, filtered fluid can flow from the
outlet portion 111 to the outlet 108 through a flow path defined
between the chamber body 110 and the lower portion of the filter
120. In some embodiments, the filter 120 can be seated or spaced
apart within the chamber volume 104 to define a flow path between
the chamber body 110 and the lower frame 140 of the filter 120.
Optionally, the lower frame 140 of the filter 120 can be disposed
on raised protrusions 141 defined within the chamber body 110 can
promote or otherwise define the flow path between the chamber body
110 and the lower frame 140. The raised protrusions 141 can be
circumferentially disposed about a lower portion of the chamber
body. The protrusions 141 can be radially spaced apart to define
flow paths to the outlet portion 111.
[0031] As described herein, the filter media 130 can selectively
filter the flow through the filter 120. The filter media 130 can
have an average filter opening ranging between 15 to 200 microns.
In some embodiments, the average filter opening can range between
180 to 200 microns. Optionally, the filter media 130 can have pores
that vary in size. In some embodiments, the filter media 130 can be
formed from a non-woven filter material. The filter media 130 can
be formed from a resilient or expandable material. Optionally, the
filter media 130 can be treated with an anti-coagulant.
[0032] Advantageously, the filter media 130 can include a plurality
of pleats or folds 132 to increase the effective filtration area of
the filter 120. By pleating or folding the filter media 130, the
filter 120 can filter a greater amount of infusate without clogging
or reducing filtration efficiency. The folds 132 in the filter
media 130 can define a plurality of peaks 134 and valleys 136 along
the surface of the filter 120. The radius of the bends of the peaks
134 and the valleys 136 can vary.
[0033] The filter 120 can have a generally cylindrical shape. As
illustrated, the filter 120 can extend along a portion of the
length of the drip chamber 101. The filter 120 can have a diameter
that allows the filter 120 to fit within the chamber volume 104 of
the drip chamber 101. During operation, fluid flow 20 can enter the
filter 120 through an inner portion of the filter media 130 via the
inlet portion 124 of the chamber volume 104. The flow 30 can move
radially outward through the filter media 130 and downward into the
outlet portion 111 of the chamber volume 110.
[0034] In some embodiments, the filter media 130 is supported by a
filter frame. As illustrated, the filter media 130 can be supported
by an upper frame 122 and/or a lower frame 140. The upper frame 122
and/or the lower frame 140 can maintain the general shape of the
filter 120. Optionally, the upper frame 122 and/or the lower frame
140 can seal against the chamber body 110 to prevent flow from
bypassing the filter media 130. The upper frame 122 and/or the
lower frame 140 can have a generally resilient construction to
maintain sealing contact with the chamber body 110 during
deformation of the drip chamber 101. Further, the lower frame 140
can include an endplate 125 to prevent flow 10 and 20 from
bypassing the filter media 130.
[0035] Optionally, the filter 120 is captured by features and/or
geometry of the drip chamber 101. In some embodiments, the filter
120 is coupled to the drip chamber 101 via fasteners and/or an
adhesive. The filter 120 may also be free floating relative to the
drip chamber 101.
[0036] The present disclosure is provided to enable any person
skilled in the art to practice the various aspects described
herein. The disclosure provides various examples of the subject
technology, and the subject technology is not limited to these
examples. Various modifications to these aspects will be readily
apparent to those skilled in the art, and the generic principles
defined herein may be applied to other aspects.
[0037] A reference to an element in the singular is not intended to
mean "one and only one" unless specifically so stated, but rather
"one or more." Unless specifically stated otherwise, the term
"some" refers to one or more. Pronouns in the masculine (e.g., his)
include the feminine and neuter gender (e.g., her and its) and vice
versa. Headings and subheadings, if any, are used for convenience
only and do not limit the invention.
[0038] The word "exemplary" is used herein to mean "serving as an
example or illustration." Any aspect or design described herein as
"exemplary" is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or
advantageous over other aspects or designs. In one aspect, various
alternative configurations and operations described herein may be
considered to be at least equivalent.
[0039] A phrase such as an "aspect" does not imply that such aspect
is essential to the subject technology or that such aspect applies
to all configurations of the subject technology. A disclosure
relating to an aspect may apply to all configurations, or one or
more configurations. An aspect may provide one or more examples. A
phrase such as an aspect may refer to one or more aspects and vice
versa. A phrase such as an "embodiment" does not imply that such
embodiment is essential to the subject technology or that such
embodiment applies to all configurations of the subject technology.
A disclosure relating to an embodiment may apply to all
embodiments, or one or more embodiments. An embodiment may provide
one or more examples. A phrase such an embodiment may refer to one
or more embodiments and vice versa. A phrase such as a
"configuration" does not imply that such configuration is essential
to the subject technology or that such configuration applies to all
configurations of the subject technology. A disclosure relating to
a configuration may apply to all configurations, or one or more
configurations. A configuration may provide one or more examples. A
phrase such a configuration may refer to one or more configurations
and vice versa.
[0040] In one aspect, unless otherwise stated, all measurements,
values, ratings, positions, magnitudes, sizes, and other
specifications that are set forth in this specification, including
in the claims that follow, are approximate, not exact. In one
aspect, they are intended to have a reasonable range that is
consistent with the functions to which they relate and with what is
customary in the art to which they pertain.
[0041] In one aspect, the term "coupled" or the like may refer to
being directly coupled. In another aspect, the term "coupled" or
the like may refer to being indirectly coupled.
[0042] Terms such as "top," "bottom," "front," "rear" and the like
if used in this disclosure should be understood as referring to an
arbitrary frame of reference, rather than to the ordinary
gravitational frame of reference. Thus, a top surface, a bottom
surface, a front surface, and a rear surface may extend upwardly,
downwardly, diagonally, or horizontally in a gravitational frame of
reference.
[0043] Various items may be arranged differently (e.g., arranged in
a different order, or partitioned in a different way) all without
departing from the scope of the subject technology. All structural
and functional equivalents to the elements of the various aspects
described throughout this disclosure that are known or later come
to be known to those of ordinary skill in the art are expressly
incorporated herein by reference and are intended to be encompassed
by the claims. Moreover, nothing disclosed herein is intended to be
dedicated to the public regardless of whether such disclosure is
explicitly recited in the claims. No claim element is to be
construed under the provisions of 35 U.S.C. .sctn. 112, sixth
paragraph, unless the element is expressly recited using the phrase
"means for" or, in the case of a method claim, the element is
recited using the phrase "step for." Furthermore, to the extent
that the term "include," "have," or the like is used, such term is
intended to be inclusive in a manner similar to the term "comprise"
as "comprise" is interpreted when employed as a transitional word
in a claim.
[0044] The Title, Background, Summary, Brief Description of the
Drawings and Abstract of the disclosure are hereby incorporated
into the disclosure and are provided as illustrative examples of
the disclosure, not as restrictive descriptions. It is submitted
with the understanding that they will not be used to limit the
scope or meaning of the claims. In addition, in the Detailed
Description, it can be seen that the description provides
illustrative examples and the various features are grouped together
in various embodiments for the purpose of streamlining the
disclosure. This method of disclosure is not to be interpreted as
reflecting an intention that the claimed subject matter requires
more features than are expressly recited in each claim. Rather, as
the following claims reflect, inventive subject matter lies in less
than all features of a single disclosed configuration or operation.
The following claims are hereby incorporated into the Detailed
Description, with each claim standing on its own as a separately
claimed subject matter.
[0045] The claims are not intended to be limited to the aspects
described herein, but is to be accorded the full scope consistent
with the language claims and to encompass all legal equivalents.
Notwithstanding, none of the claims are intended to embrace subject
matter that fails to satisfy the requirement of 35 U.S.C. .sctn.
101, 102, or 103, nor should they be interpreted in such a way.
* * * * *